So I have these old, original Game Boy (like, the grey one with the maroon buttons) games I wanna play again (original Pokemon Blue). What can I get to do so?
I bought a GB on eBay but the screen was barely visible. I’m comfortable partially building/programming something myself, and would also be fine with an adapter or some such that allows me to play the cartridge or copy its contents so I can play on my laptop or Raspberry Pi or whatever.
Suggestions sought!
I bought a GB on eBay but the screen was barely visible. I’m comfortable partially building/
Say less. Replacement screens are plentiful since many (usually with the Color not the grayboy, but still) are doing the IPS screen mods. I’d replace it with an OG screen unless your problem is backlight.
I usually don’t recommend reddit but since a total of 0 of them migrated here, check out r/gameboy if you did want to mod it. It’s unfortunately a great collection of resources regarding modding GB, GBC, and GBA. Common mods include but are not limited to those backlit IPS screens.
The screen replacement is easy as hell iirc too, I think it’s just some clips on a ribbon cable, iirc no soldering required.
Much appreciated!
Pokemon Blue
FYI the internal cartridge battery that’s used to save your game is probably either dead or nearly dead!
A multimeter should show the battery at 3.25v. Anything less and it could die any day. Changing the battery isn’t too difficult, but it requires soldering.
This is my favorite tool set used to take the one screw out to open the cartridge, to check the battery.
https://www.retromodding.com/collections/tools/products/repair-tools-set
Gameboy SP plays GB, GBC and GBA games with a backlight in the screen. If that’s not enough, there are plenty of videos online on how to upgrade the SP. Authentic but optimized. Best of both worlds!
Hard to find at an acceptable price, but a great suggestion!
I like my Hyperkin Retron Sq.
The Hyperkin Retron Sq is a nice enough for playing Gameboy and Gameboy Color cartridges.
It’s actually fine for lots of Gameboy Advance games, as well.
But, by virtually every account I have seen, the Analogue Pocket is a much better option, for about the same price. If I had been aware of the Analogue Pocket, I would have bought it, instead, or at least first.
I saw the pocket, very impressive. Pretty big price tag for how much I’ll use it, but worth the quality from the specs I see.
You did try to change the contrast on the GB you bought, didn’t you?
Yes, noting happens.
Might also be a broken contrast wheel. Could be fixable with IPA if it doesn’t work right.
If it’s really the display, I guess there are at least many replacement options available.
